Thirty minutes passed. Though vigilant even in repose, Alex allowed himself to open his eyes and rise with a yawn and a stretch. Mentally summoning his stats, a blue panel materialized before him.
This version condenses the original text while still conveying the essential information:
[Alexander Kael Touch]
Experience Value (XP): 630/1000
Magic Power: 870 (+20 BP)
Intelligence: 180 ? 190
Gift: Two Guns * Semi-sealed*
Skills: [Normal Appraisal Level 1] [Language Comprehension] [Item box Level 1] [Swift Fingers Max] [Divine Sense Level 1] [Throwing knife Level 3] [Night Vision Level 1]
Titles: [Otherworlder] [The one who can't use Magic] [The one whose fingers are faster than Flash] [Goblin Slayer] (New Title) 』
As Alex tapped on his newly acquired title, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had fired six times after leveling up, and as a result, his MP had decreased by 300 points. However, after adding the 20 BP, his MP now stood at 890. Curious to know the significance of his new title, he eagerly read the description.
"The Goblin Slayer: A title earned through the relentless slaying of numerous goblins. You have become their nemesis, instilling fear in their hearts with your mere presence. Slaying them has become a simple task for you."
Impressed by the title's coolness, Alex couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed that it didn't offer much else. Nevertheless, he shrugged it off and prepared himself for the tedious work ahead.
Turning around, he began collecting the necessary evidence to prove that the subjugation had been successfully completed. When it came to goblins, their materials were mostly worthless, so only the guild would purchase a few items, such as their right ears and magic stones.
"Sil, please keep a watchful eye on our surroundings. We never know when a boss might appear," Alex instructed his trusted companion.
"Okay, Master," Silveria replied promptly.
Alex was surprised by her quick response. He had expected her to complain or question his orders, but instead, she accepted them without hesitation. It made him wonder if her rebellious phase had finally come to an end.
"How rude of you, Master, to think like that," Silveria scolded him.
Sighing, Alex realized that he had forgotten that Silveria resided within his consciousness.
"Well, I can't read your thoughts, but I can make deductions," Silveria explained.
Alex acknowledged before returning to his task. He pulled out a black, medium-length knife specially crafted by Smith for dismantling purposes. With precision, he began chopping off the goblin's ears one by one, ensuring not to overlook the valuable magic stones hidden within their hearts.
An hour later, Alex finished harvesting and stored the materials in his item box. He glanced at the goblins' weapons: rusted swords, a broken shield, and a useless axe. Repairing them wouldn't be worth the cost. He also ignored the crudely made wooden clubs, easily replaceable with branches from outside.
Suddenly, a sense of unease washed over him. He felt a gaze, as if something had entered the cave.
"Master, unexpected visitor," Silveria warned.
"Retrieve the knife and store it."
Alex, sensing danger, instantly jumped left.
A burst of flame erupted where he stood moments before, smoke filling the cave.
"What the...?" he gasped, fear rising.
"Calm down, Master," Silveria soothed. "Just a basic Fireball spell."
A red blur materialized, detected only by a sudden surge of Alex's Divine Sense. He instinctively raised his custom knife, Razor, just in time to meet the clang of a long sword. His hand went numb with the impact, the surprise matching that of his unseen attacker.
Seizing the opening, Alex launched both Black Betties, but a small shield met them mid-air, the blades embedding themselves harmlessly. The attacker, still reeling from Alex's parry, retreated a few steps.
As the dust settled, a grotesque figure emerged: a red-skinned goblin, taller and broader than its green brethren, wielding a silver sword and a shield adorned with Alex's own throwing knives.
"Rare breed," Alex breathed, regaining his composure.
"And likely the leader of the goblins I dispatched."
He had never appraised a monster before, but now seemed like the perfect time.
Sweat beaded on Alex's brow as he gasped, the red blur solidifying into a hulking monstrosity. A Half-Step Rank 2 monster, no wonder his arm screamed after their brief exchange.** He gritted his teeth, the throbbing dulling to a simmering ache as adrenaline surged through him.
The goblin snarled, its guttural cry echoing through the cavern. A malevolent glow ignited in its eyes, coalescing into a searing fireball. Memories of the previous attack flashed in Alex's mind. He didn't hesitate, diving out of the way just as the projectile roared past, leaving a sizzling scorch mark on the cave wall.
He sprang to his feet, rolling instinctively as he launched two throwing knives with practiced ease. Almost simultaneously, his right hand snapped to his gun, spitting two bullets in rapid succession. Though fired a fraction later, the lead projectiles caught up to the spinning knives, a deadly ballet of steel hurtling towards the monstrosity.
The goblin reacted with surprising speed, flinging its small shield to deflect the knives. But its agility wasn't enough to dodge the bullets entirely. One grazed its shoulder, eliciting a pained screech that echoed through the chamber.
Enraged, the creature lunged, its crimson blade flashing in the dim light. It aimed for Alex's head, a killing blow meant to end the fight swiftly. He reacted on pure instinct, his custom knife, Razor, a blur of silver as it met the descending blade in a clang of metal. The force of the impact sent a jolt through his arm, a new sting blooming on his left cheek where the blade had nicked him.
Pain flared, but Alex ignored it. This was his first injury, a baptism by fire in this brutal world, and he wouldn't give in. He wouldn't falter. He met the goblin's enraged gaze, his own eyes burning with defiance. This wasn't the end, it was just the beginning.
With a guttural yell, he charged, throwing his remaining knives in a desperate gamble. The goblin, distracted, shifted to parry them, leaving itself momentarily vulnerable. A cruel smile tugged at Alex's lips. This was his chance.
As if summoned by his will, Silveria materialized in his left hand, the silver glinting ominously. Before the goblin could react, the pistol barked, unleashing a torrent of lead that riddled its hulking form. The creature convulsed, the fire in its eyes extinguished, replaced by the emptiness of death.
Exhausted but victorious, Alex let out a ragged breath. He knelt beside the fallen monstrosity, his gaze lingering on the carnage. With a sigh, he carefully stored the body, the captured sword, and the battered shield in his now-full item box. Every item held a story, a reminder of this hard-won victory.
He rose, his muscles screaming in protest.
Leaving the cave behind, he dragged his weary body back towards the town, the weight of his first fight heavy on his shoulders. His gaze, however, was already fixed on the horizon, the promise of new challenges glinting in his eyes. He would check his status later, for now, he had a tale to tell, a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit.